LED lighting fixture

Abstract

Embodiments of the present invention provide a light emitting diode (LED) lighting fixture and methods of manufacturing the same. In various embodiments, the LED lighting fixture comprises a lighting fixture body and one or more luminaires. The one or more LED modules are operatively and securely fixed to the lighting fixture body. Each LED module comprises at least one LED, and a heat sink. The at least one LED is mounted within the LED module such that light emitted by the at least on LED is emitted in an upward direction. The heat sink is positioned such that at least a portion of the light emitted by the at least one LED is not incident upon the heat sink. Additionally, the heat sink is permanently fixed to the lighting fixture body.

Description

BACKGROUND[0001]Incandescent bulbs are slowly being phased out in favor of more efficient lighting sources. This has led to an increased use of compact fluorescent bulbs which are more efficient than incandescent bulbs, but which tend to contain dangerous gasses, such as mercury. Compact fluorescent bulbs are also affected by ambient temperature and fail reach their peak brightness in colder conditions. Additionally, many people find the color temperature of light emitted by compact fluorescents to not be aesthetically pleasing for many applications, such as household lighting in kitchens, bathrooms, and living rooms; some commercial applications; and the like. Due to the nature of compact fluorescent bulbs, the bulbs always have a frosted appearance, which also tends to reduce the aesthetic appeal of compact fluorescent bulbs. The use of halogen bulbs has also increased; however due to the high temperatures at which halogen bulbs operate they are not highly efficient and may be a f...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The solution provides aesthetically pleasing LED lighting with efficient heat dissipation, maintaining long-term efficiency and safety, while mimicking the appearance of traditional bulbs for various applications.

Problems solved by technology

Additionally, many people find the color temperature of light emitted by compact fluorescents to not be aesthetically pleasing for many applications, such as household lighting in kitchens, bathrooms, and living rooms; some commercial applications; and the like.

Due to the nature of compact fluorescent bulbs, the bulbs always have a frosted appearance, which also tends to reduce the aesthetic appeal of compact fluorescent bulbs.

The use of halogen bulbs has also increased; however due to the high temperatures at which halogen bulbs operate they are not highly efficient and may be a fire or burn hazard.

This may result in a lighting fixture which is not aesthetically pleasing.

This causes the lighting fixture to have an awkward appearance.

If the LEDs were simply positioned in the bottom of the fixture shining upward, this directional light beam would not provide any light below the fixture and the majority of light lost into the top of the fixture.

Additionally, placing the LEDs in the bottom of the fixture shining up would not be nearly as aesthetically pleasing as the light effect obtained when using a incandescent or halogen clear light bulb.

If the heat is not efficiently dissipated, the efficiency of the LEDs or the LED light source may be compromised.

Furthermore, improper heat dissipation may cause the LEDs or the LED light source to degrade prematurely.

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